Description
Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow is a delightful and easy-to-make snack that combines crispy Chex cereal with a creamy white chocolate and cherry gelatin coating, dusted with a cheesecake-flavored sugar mix and studded with dried cherries. This sweet treat is perfect for parties, movie nights, or any occasion that calls for a fun, irresistible dessert snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn variety)
- 1/2 cup cherry gelatin mix (like Jell-O)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 package (3.5 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 cup dried cherries, chopped
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal: Place 9 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside to prepare for coating.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring after each until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Mix in Gelatin: Add 1/2 cup cherry gelatin mix to the melted white chocolate mixture. Stir thoroughly until the gelatin is completely incorporated, creating a smooth cherry-chocolate coating.
- Coat the Cereal: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture over the cereal in the large bowl. Gently fold the cereal and coating together until all pieces are evenly covered with the mixture.
- Dust with Sugar Mixture: In a large zip-top bag, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 package (3.5 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix. Add the coated cereal to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until every piece is well coated with the sugar and pudding mixture.
- Cool and Set: Spread the coated cereal evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely so the coating sets and hardens slightly, making it easier to handle.
- Add Cherries and Serve: Once the cereal is cooled, transfer it back to a bowl and fold in 1 cup of chopped dried cherries. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later snacking.
Notes
- Use rice or corn Chex cereal for best texture and coating adherence.
- Microwave carefully when melting chocolate and butter to avoid scorching.
- Chopping dried cherries helps distribute their flavor evenly throughout the mix.
- Store puppy chow in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
- For a different flavor, substitute cherry gelatin with raspberry or strawberry gelatin.
- This recipe is great for gifting—package in decorative bags or jars for friends and family.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow, Chex mix, white chocolate, cherry gelatin, dessert snack, no-bake treat, party snack
